Museum staged tortoise robbery to avoid embarrassment

A museum employee staged the theft of a tortoise to avoid embarrassment.

Staff at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium assumed Cashew the tortoise had been stolen when they couldn't find him.

An employee later found Cashew trapped behind a panel in his enclosure.

Concerned about embarrassment being caused to the museum, the staff member hid Cashew in a lift.

Officials later found the tortoise and said that the thief must have brought him back.

However, the employee later came forward to explain the situation.

The museum's chief executive Jerry Enzler said: "The action taken by the employee on Thursday afternoon was wrong and is not reflective of the integrity of the staff who dedicate themselves to the highest of Museum & Aquarium standards."